Residence Registration: How to register your address in Switzerland?

Did you know that once installed in Switzerland, you have 8 days to register with the Gemeinde / commune city hall in your area, regardless of whether you are temporarily staying in a hotel?

Residence registration is a mandatory process for anyone living in Switzerland, including foreigners and Swiss citizens.

This registration process takes place at the local city hall office (Gemeindehaus / maison communale) if you are in the field; or at your area office (Kreisbüro / bureau d’arrondissement) if you are in the city. In the case of large cities, they usually have a special residence registration department (Einwohnerkontrolle / contrôle d’habitants).

It is important to mention that the registration process is essential that it be done before you start working. Once you carry out this procedure, the city council will send your documentation to the canton authorities, and they will process your application and, if necessary, send you your residence permit.

What documents do you need to register for residence in Switzerland?

In order to register for residence in Switzerland, you must submit the following documents:

Identification document. You must present both your identity document and that of all your family members who are accompanying you.
Personal documents. Here are documents of your marital status, marriage certificate, birth certificates, both your own and your family members, etc.
Health insurance policy.
Work contract.

In any case you are looking for work, the only thing that varies is the presentation of your employment contract; The rest of the documents are mandatory in any case.

We hope you find this information useful, and remember that in Switzerland the registration of residence is an important process especially because the collection of income tax is done at the place where you register. If you need information or help with your legal procedures do not forget that you can contact us.